By Giordan Bonanno
The Seattle Sounders visit Frisco, Texas this Sunday in a vital match for both teams. Seattle will be looking to secure a spot in the playoffs after their disappointing 0-0 draw against Houston but will face a tough test against second place FC Dallas. While Dallas’ spot in the playoffs has been secured for weeks, this won’t be an opportunity to rest starters as they will need all three points to have a shot at the Supporter’s Shield.
Below are three keys for the Seattle Sounders:
1. Composure will be the difference between a close game and a blowout
FC Dallas is a team that is capable of ripping apart even the strongest teams due to the offensive firepower of Mauro Diaz, Michael Barrios and Maxi Urruti. If Seattle can hold their own and limit any defensive mistakes, they will have a fighting chance, but even the smallest of slip-ups could be enough to give FC Dallas a dangerous opportunity to score.
2. Let FC Dallas be the desperate team
If Oscar Pareja has any desire to win the Supporter’s Shield, this will be a must-win game for FC Dallas. Seattle will need to use this to their advantage. Expect FC Dallas to attack early and often, but if Seattle can hold out long enough, FC Dallas will open themselves up enough to create a handful of dangerous opportunities. If the Sounders are willing to defend and wait for the chances to come, then they could very well leave Frisco with three points.
3. No more stupid red cards
In the last two games, the Sounders have unnecessarily suffered from self-inflicted wounds due to reckless and boneheaded decisions from their captains. Playing against FC Dallas will be hard enough, but going down a man will make the task almost impossible. Furthermore, any suspensions will ultimately affect Seattle’s chances against RSL next week; a game that will most likely determine Seattle’s playoff hopes.
Notes
Ozzie Alonso and Maynor Figueroa will both be suspended for the match. Alonso picked up a red card on Wednesday, against the Dynamo while Figueroa accumulated enough yellow cards to receive a one-match suspension.
Andreas Ivanschitz will miss the match due to suffering a knee sprain during the Houston match.
Prediction: FC Dallas 2 – Seattle 1
